Nashville vs Omaha: cost of living compared
Omaha is 21% cheaper than Nashville overall. Nashville (TN) has no state income tax; NE tops out around 5.84%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Omaha offers a substantially lower overall cost of living compared to Nashville, making it a much more budget-friendly option. This significant difference is largely driven by housing expenses, which are considerably higher in Nashville. While other categories also contribute, the cost of shelter creates the biggest gap between the two metros.
Housing
Both buying and renting are noticeably more expensive in Nashville than in Omaha. Nashville's housing market features a mix of traditional Southern styles and newer developments, with a higher price point. Omaha typically offers more traditional Midwestern homes at a much lower cost, providing greater affordability for both renters and prospective homeowners.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for food, utilities, and healthcare are somewhat lower in Omaha. Transportation costs are also more affordable there. A key difference is state income tax; Nebraska has one, while Tennessee does not, which can impact take-home pay. Overall, routine spending will be more economical in Omaha.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Nashville offers a vibrant, fast-paced Southern city experience with a humid subtropical climate and warm summers. Omaha provides a more relaxed Midwestern pace, experiencing all four distinct seasons, including colder winters. Commute times are generally shorter in Omaha, suggesting less time spent in traffic for daily travel.
Bottom line
For households prioritizing financial savings, Omaha presents a clear advantage with its significantly lower cost of living across most categories, especially housing. While Nashville offers a different cultural experience, moving to Omaha would likely result in a much more favorable household budget, allowing for greater financial flexibility.
| Measure | Nashville, TN | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 85 |
| Housing index | 119 | 67 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 80 |
| Food index | 98 | 88 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 90 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 92 |
| Misc index | 95 | 82 |
| Median home price | $438,000 | $238,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,000/mo |
| Average commute | 29 min | 22 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Omaha home with the True Cost Calculator.